sodium hypochlorite

American  

noun

Chemistry.

1. a pale-green, crystalline compound, NaOCl, unstable in air, soluble in cold water, decomposes in hot water: used as a bleaching agent for paper and textiles, in water purification, in household use, and as a fungicide.

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sodium hypochlorite Scientific  

1. An unstable salt that is usually stored in solution and used as a fungicide and an oxidizing bleach. Chemical formula: NaOCl·5H ₂ O.

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Etymology

Origin of sodium hypochlorite

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

The new study examined spore response of three different strains of C. diff to three clinical in-use concentrations of sodium hypochlorite.

From Science Daily • Nov. 21, 2023

Assuming your bleach is 8.25 percent sodium hypochlorite, you’ll need 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon per quart of warm water.

From Washington Post • Mar. 18, 2022

The sodium hypochlorite - or bleach - found in swimming pools can dry it out more, leading to damage.

From BBC • Jul. 2, 2021

Chloramine, NH2Cl, results from the reaction of sodium hypochlorite, NaOCl, with ammonia in basic solution.

From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019

A glass tube passing through the plug serves to convey the gas evolved to an absorption apparatus, which is charged with about 75 c.c. of a 2 to 3 per cent. solution of sodium hypochlorite.

From Acetylene, the Principles of Its Generation and Use A Practical Handbook on the Production, Purification, and Subsequent Treatment of Acetylene for the Development of Light, Heat, and Power by Leeds, F. H. (Frank Henley)